TACP Unit Profile

SR-25 · 09-05-2004, 01:34 AM

Unit Profile

The history of this career field can be found on TSgt Charlie Heidal's website. However, the following description will provide you with the TACP structure, mission and mottos.

The term Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) refers to the two or three MAN operations team responsible for interfacing with, coordinating for and conducting for Army ground forces (U.S. or multi-national) Close Air Support (CAS). However, there are broader and much more narrow aspects to this field.

The MAJCOMs for the TACP parent units are ACC, PACAF and USAFE. Under each MAJCOM are Air Support Operations Squadrons (ASOS). Each ASOS is broken down into two parts: operations and support. Our support troops include Radio Maintenance, Supply and Information Management. Our operations section is broken down into two parts: Air Liaison Officers (ALOs) and Tactical Air Command and Control Specialists (TACCS). Most commonly referred to as ROMAD (for Radio Operator, Maintainer and Driver - an old acronym; Recon, Observe, Mark and Destroy - the new acronym; or, more jokingly and definitely non-P.C., Rude, Obnoxious, Mean-Assed Drunk), TACCS are highly trained enlisted specialists. TACPs usually consist of two or three people, usually one ALO and one or two TACCS capable of going anywhere (leg, mech, light or airborne) to accomplish CAS.

The TACPs mission is: interface with army ground forces, liaison with both command staff and forward controllers, advise of Air Force Tactical Air assets, coordinate any those assets and then control that CAS asset to bear on enemy targets. This is broken down into the phrase, "Advise, Assist and Control."

As for the individuals, ALOs are generally either ex- or banked fighter jocks and, to an increasingly lesser extent, WIZZOs or navigators. All are officers at least a 1st lieutenant or higher grade. ALOs are generally the controllers of any CAS mission. TACCS are broken down into two groups: standard TACCS and highly trained specialists known as Enlisted Terminal Attack Controllers (ETACs). When certified, ETACs are capable of performing the same operations as ALOs. As their ability to retain fighter jocks is reduced, the mission of the ETACs will grow with the eventual transition of all TACCS into becoming ETACs after a couple of years of field training.

ALOs and TACCS can be found at almost every major U.S. Army base around the world. Unlike other "specialized" Air Force brethren (excluding Combat Weather), they live on Army posts, go to the field with them, train with them, eat the food, ruck with them, live with them are often mistaken for the Air Force's Army. Members can be found assigned to Armor/Mech units, Scout units, CAV units, Mountain troops, light and heavy brigades, divisions and battalions. Members are found at the Special Forces and Rangers, many SF qualified and full Ranger members (completed the Ranger and SF training). Many members are at Airborne divisions, most with wings (a few with gold stars). They can go anywhere, in any weather, in any environment with any friendly ground force to accomplish CAS.

At the present, there are four Air National Guard ASOS to provide support for 15 Army National Guard Enhanced Brigades (light, scout/cav, heavy/mech) throughout the U.S. and its territories.

There are two TACP mottos: "Death on Call," and "The strong shall stand, the weak will fall by the wayside."

Rusty24 · 09-10-2004, 06:27 PM

SR-25 good post, but Alo's control less then 10% of the sorties. Majority of them are not even required by reg to maintain currency. We are now generally operating in two man teams (1xETAC and 1x1C4--Junior Romad).

P.S. Thats MSgt Heidel RR691983

SR-25 · 09-10-2004, 07:32 PM

Thank you for the updated info.

fltmedic · 12-10-2004, 07:21 AM

The above is excellent info. I'm prior USAF and never heard of them.
Thanx,
Kel

Poonter · 05-17-2005, 08:38 AM

Wow, i'm a 1chuck, and this is a really good post. our ALO's vary, some are squared away and want to train, others want to get back to their birds...but mostly squared away...i love my job...AIRBORNE...ttfn, have to go call in some DEATH!!!

Rusty24 · 05-17-2005, 02:02 PM

Poonter where are you at?

Poonter · 06-24-2005, 06:05 AM

you know where i'm at, rusty...btw, where did you post your body armor pics, can't find it, i sent my rba to afganistan with a buddy, so all i have is the interceptor now

Rusty24 · 06-24-2005, 01:46 PM

The Paraclete RAV's just came in today. It's in the Army section .... let me look around.

Here: If you want to try it on, give me a jingle at 4177. I will be around Monday and Tuesday ..... after that????

http://www.goinfantry.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12548

Rusty24 · 06-25-2005, 09:27 AM

Poonter, you need to call me Monday or shoot me an e-mail at work. I have a few items that I am getting rid of and I will give them to ya'.

Poonter · 06-29-2005, 10:11 AM

wilco...if i don't get it today, then for sure tomorrow. thx

xGHOSTx · 07-11-2005, 05:14 PM

I know this is comin a bit late in the thread but can anyone give me some info on TACP? I'm enlisting soon and i'm seriously considering TACP but lack information. I've read some stuff on websites but it help out alot more to hear it from people who have experience. Thank you

Mgab911 · 11-28-2005, 06:33 PM

Interesting to find fellow brethen in here. Does anyone know how in the hell SMSgt Carpenter is doing. The last time i talked to him he was in Germany finishing up for retirment. If anyone sees him make sure you tell him to drop me a email

MGAB911@aol.com
P.S good catch on Charlie's rank. Is he still pushing that tac turd around for people to use with the 117.

G12

Rusty24 · 11-28-2005, 08:23 PM

If your talking about Russ he just made Chief.